Staubli, Rita G.

MADISON—Rita G. Staubli, age 80, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, at Agrace HospiceCare surrounded by her loving family, following a sudden illness. She was born July 29, 1937, in La Crosse, the daughter of Albert Ernest and Gertrude (Springer) Bahr. She met Joe Staubli in La Crosse, while he was working on the railroad and rooming at Rita’s grandmother’s home. He took her for a ride in his sports car. They were married at St. Joseph’s Ridge almost 60 years ago on Oct. 11, 1958.

Rita worked in the Madison School system for 25 years, most recently as a special education teacher’s aide and job coach at Madison East High School. She loved what she did, and was a strong advocate for special needs students.

She loved sewing and crafts and was an accomplished seamstress, sewing her daughters’ wedding and bridesmaids dresses. She and Joe enjoyed some great trips, including Europe, Alaska and camping throughout the U.S. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She loved preparing and sharing family and holiday dinners. She enjoyed her gardens, canning, and cheering on the Badgers and Packers. Her family will remember how she looked you straight in the eyes with a caring smile when she was listening.

The family extends their special thanks to their guardian angel, Ann Rudrud-Christiansen, Agrace HospiceCare’s Dr. Williams, and nurses, Aaron and Vicki.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, with Father Francis Schmidt presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.